"The color, nose and flavors of this wine benefit from Black Cougar's 1,300-foot elevation. Struggling to grown on steep terrain, the grapes developed a deep crimson color and earthy nose. The mountain fruit exudes notes of cedar and pine on the nose which are then enhanced by blackberry and other dark fruit flavors on the palate. Complex tannins are unmistakable, and lend to a long finish." - Graham Weerts, Winemaker
Vintage:
In many ways, the 1999 growing season was long and ideal on Alexander Mountain
Estate. Bud break began late March and the vineyard escaped the early seasonal frost
damage. The vintage remained dry through September pushing the Black Cougar Ridge
grapes to higher notes of intensity. Some gentle heat spikes before Labor Day brought
concern about an earlier-than-usual harvest but the weather cooled producing longer
grape hang time with low yields (average 2 tons per acre).
